Nike “What The” Kobe 9 Elite Protro Store List

Following “Halo,” “Christmas,” and “Masterpiece” releases, the Kobe 9 Elite is continuing its Protro run with the “What The” colorway. Arriving over ten years after the OG, the sneaker releases via Nike SNKRS and select retailers on May 21st, 2025. Adult and grade school sizes will be be available for $240 and $140, respectively. See our “Where To Buy” section below for purchase links and keep scrolling to read further.

Kobe Bryant is largely credited for popularizing the low-top basketball shoe movement, which makes the Kobe 9 Elite a bit of an anomaly. Eric Avar took inspiration from boxing boots when drafting the design, and also incorporated Flyknit material for the first time ever on a Nike Basketball sneaker.

The “What The” Kobe 9 Elite dropped in 2015 and peaked at around $700 on resale sites a few years back, further proving that “What The” sneakers are hot collectors items. The 2025 Protro features all the same hallmarks of the original, complete with a green/orange Flynit base, patterned sock liner, and blue/white fabric around the ankle.

As our regular readers are all surely aware, these follow the “What The” Kobe 8 Protro from April 2025. The Kobe 9 Elite isn’t as prized as models like the Kobe 8, Kobe 6, and even the Kobe 9 Elite Low, so this latest “What The” Kobe will likely see less demand. With that being said, there are surely lots of collectors with these on their wish lists.

As mentioned, the “What The” Kobe 9 Elite Protro release May 21st, 2025 via Nike SNKRS and select retailers. Scroll back up to our “Where To Buy” section for purchase links.

Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.